KLUANG – YTL Group has marked its 70th anniversary in spectacular fashion by gifting the people of Kluang a new landmark – Laman Rel Mahkota a 2.8kilometre linear park that celebrates the town’s proud railway heritage while introducing modern facilities for families and future generations.
The symbolic handover was officiated by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, in a ceremony that also saw the launch of the country’s most advanced train service, the ETS3, ushering in a new era for Malaysia’s rail mobility.
Developed and contributed by SIPP–YTL JV, the Laman Rel Mahkota forms part of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project (GJBEDTP) a world-class infrastructure project successfully completed ahead of schedule by SIPP–YTL as the main local contractor.
The park, built beneath the GJBEDTP viaduct, blends the historical character of the old Kluang Railway Heritage Linear Park with fresh, modern touches, making it a new pride of Johor.
Blending Heritage and Modernity
At the park, visitors will find remnants of Kluang’s railway past original signboards, preserved rail tracks and pedestrian bridges alongside new features such as lush green landscapes, community art installations, family friendly play areas, and interactive QR code experiences.
The park is designed not just as a recreational space but also as a living gallery that connects people with the town’s deep railway identity, dating back to 1909.
Managing Director of SIPP–YTL, Dato Seri Yeoh Seok Hong, said the park is both a gift and a legacy.
“As a local company working with Johor partners, we are proud to have contributed to a project of world-class standards like the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track.
“Laman Rel Mahkota is our way of giving back to the people of Kluang. It symbolises appreciation for the community, recognition of Kluang as Malaysia’s historic ‘Railway Town’, and a bridge between heritage and modern living a space to be enjoyed today and inherited by generations to come,” he said.
His Majesty Leads a New Chapter in Rail Travel
Earlier in the day, Sultan Ibrahim also launched the ETS3 Electric Train Service at Kuala Lumpur Station before making his way to Kluang.
With a top operating speed of 160 km/h, the ETS3 is Malaysia’s fastest electric passenger train, equipped with aerodynamic design, international-standard safety systems, and upgraded passenger comfort.
The launch represents a significant leap in mobility, linking Kuala Lumpur with southern destinations including Kluang and Johor Bahru. His Majesty had personally tested the ETS3 on 19 August in preparation -MalayaDailyToday
